“I would be lying if I said training had been ideal because of that but I am in the best physical shape I could be.

“Mentally it has been hard to prepare for this fight when a week ago I was still suspended.

“It was very frustrating because I would go home and have to stick to my diet even though I knew there was a chance that I would not be fighting.

“I had to be so disciplined and this is where my dedication comes in.

“I feel very strong and I’ve had good sparring with Scott Quigg, Anthony Crolla and Scott Cardle.

“We’ve cut no corners in the gym and I am carrying the confidence over from my last fight.

“I always prepare 100% and people will see that when they see the shape I am in.”

Smith says he made it clear to promoter Eddie Hearn that he wanted to pursue the WBC title above all others.

“The minute I signed with Eddie Hearn he was planning what route I was going to take towards a world title,” said Smith.

“For me, the WBC is the best belt in the world so I said that if I had my chance then I would go down that route. I would love the opportunity to fight for that belt. It would be a dream come true.

“If I get through Saturday night I will be fighting for the WBC Silver title. And you only have to look at Tony Bellew to see what winning that does for you.”

Medina, 31, is a former world title challenger at super-bantamweight and heads to Manchester with 39 wins from his 46 professional fights.

Smith has studied the Buenos Aires fighter and believes he has the capabilities to make it a comfortable night at the Phones 4u Arena.

“I’ve seen bits of Medina on the internet,” he added.

“He looks like a strong fighter and he also throws wild shots.

“So I have got to stay switched on. I could make this a simple fight with my boxing ability. But I can’t always be waiting for him, I will need to lead off.”

Robbie Davies Junior, meanwhile, has a third professional contest tonight.

The former England amateur takes on Kevin McCauley in the first six-round contest of his career at the Bowlers Exhibition Centre in Manchester. Davies Jnr, trained by Dave Tonks, has won both his pro contests by first round stoppage.